Police Make 13 Arrests, Seize Guns, Drugs, Cash
[Updated] The police said that following the execution of multiple search warrants in the west end this morning [July 6], eight men and five women were arrested; while three firearms, cash and what is believed to be controlled drugs were all seized.
The operation this morning involved in excess of the 50 police officers, and the police said it was part of a “protracted transnational organised crime investigation involving overseas partner agencies into drug trafficking and money laundering.”
The press conference has just concluded, and we will update with the video and additional information as able.
Update 2.55pm: Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Sean Field-Lament said, “Early this morning the Bermuda Police Service executed multiple search warrants issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
“As a result, 8 adult males and 5 adult females were arrested,” said Mr Field-Lament. “This is part of a protracted transnational organized crime investigation involving overseas partner agencies into drug trafficking and money laundering.
“During the searches controlled substances were seized that we believe are drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized. In addition, what we suspect to be 3 firearms and ammunition were seized, as well as a large undetermined amount of cash.
“The investigation is currently ongoing, and we expect in due course that people will be appearing before the court.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the residents of the affected neighbourhood for any inconvenience caused by this morning’s activity.”
When asked if he expected any further arrests, Mr Field-Lament said, “I would imagine that would be forthcoming.”
Update 3.01pm: Video of the full press conference added below
Update: Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said: “This was an important operation, professionally handled by the Police. The early indications are that the results are significant.
“This Government fully supports the Police in the work they have to do to keep Bermuda safe. I will not comment on the specifics of this case except to say that any operation that removes firearms and drugs from the streets is a success.”
Thank God
Better thank the men and women of the BPS instead.
I notice our local loud biker guy is very quiet today… hasn’t been out once… wonder why?
Wow
The shootings and gun violence that has been in the past and to date has nothing to do with this.
Drugs. Money. Power.
Happy days and prayers.
Shalom.
Ps.
The cash was just savings from shopping……….
I guess it’s easy to be stupid and indifferent when something does not effect you.
Meaning what Mr. Marshall.
I don’t follow.
Oh, I thought the cash was from owning a successful Crown and Anchor table and the owner kept it hidden around as he was a victim of discriminatory practices by both bankers and coppers… No doubt, a jury would agree with this.
Guess you guys just don’t follow logic.
All those dislikes?
You don’t comprehend what I wrote?
RIP Bermuda.
I did Terry, with a high school only education, it was easy to understand!! It never ceases to amaze me how dense some are??
Good 13 less scum bags roaming our streets for a while!! Let’s now see if they can be convicted with a bermudian jury????
Now we just need to get the scumbags in suits and ties.
If they are local all they need do is raise the “Crown and Anchor money-laundering Defence”. Local jury will buy it anytime. And one other magistrate is keen on clamping down on crime with his “discharge” policy. Crime lite.
The cash was saved from crown and anchor!
And stored in the soles of a pair of sneakers for safekeeping.
Good job BPS!!! I doubt very much that anyone was inconvenienced besides the idiots themselves!
“Being arrested doesn’t necessarily mean guilty.” Congratulations to them that were involved, (locally as well them overseas) with this latest “sting operation.”
We not only need to, but we must eradicate this “wanna-be-gangster mentality” from our Island…One way is to issue sentences with no time off for so called “good behavior” to them convicted of gun charges and/or large sums of cash along with narcotics.
Once again B.P.S. thanks for restoring our confidence in you with these raids; as well as hearing of an arrest and Court appearance of the suspected St. George’s bank robber.
And they’ll all walk free or get a slap on the wrist.
Especially the females.
Amazing when you think there are loads of guys locked up for ‘life’ for gun murders where no weapon was ever recovered in the case , but this bust nets 3 of them .
I guess the place just got a little safer .
You all just don’t get tired do you!?!?! Do you lot not think about your kids?!?!?!? #TwiceInAYear #BigFamily #Smfh
Good work. The fact that 3 firearms are off the streets can only be a good thing. The persons arrested may get bailed or even released without charge but at least those guns and ammo will be out of circulation for ever.
Are you sure?
Good news BPS.
Now to change our legal system so that serious crimes are heard in front of a panel of three judges.
I am tired of senseless killing….
3 weapons confiscated…ballistics may bring to light previous activity of said weapons…jus curious as to The results and if any connection with our “unsolved mysteries”.
None of these “gangsters” have the resources or power to bring in these weapons and drugs. So these bermudians are losing they’re lives while others are profiting from they’re downfall,
What a very sad and misguided comment from Bob. We have had petty criminals importing drugs for decades in all manner of ways from dropping them off the side of a banana boat offshore; carrying them onto planes bound for Bermuda then flushing them down the toilet in the plane (in plastic waterproof bags) for pickup by the guys who dispose of the content of the toilets and fish out the bags; sealing drugs in the frame of pedal cycles; hiding drugs and guns in televisions, refrigerators, washing machines; swallowing condoms contaning drugs, storing them in vacuum sealed tins of soup, and ways you would never even think of. The vast majority of drug importers have started small and graduated to larger shipments, but some folks are obsessed with the idea that Mr. Big controls the drug trade in Bermuda. It is ludicrous to suggest that Bermudians do not have the resources or power to smuggle in drugs or weapons, and there have been thousands of cases to prove it.
Watch out for the gang leaders in these arrests who will immediately retain a QC for whatever it costs.
Change the legal system why? If their guilty im sure the police finding evidence is more than enuff for convictions and I doubt they will all get bail the females prolly will only arrested for being in the wrong place wrong time highly doubt they where all sitting round with drugs guns and cash on the table so we can’t assume they all knew what is the house so their not all scum as said by commentors
OK, if you want to split hairs; some were scum and some were just scum suckers. Not much difference from what I see.
And the premier, bob richards and walter robain want the police to take pay cuts and pay gehi. Next time w&e or ptb go into a house with guns maybe they could get benefits like the police
LOL, we could send the fish wardens.
They should plead “Ill help you to with my expertise in the trade, then get job offers.
The police do all the hard work and the defense lawyers, (probably paid by us) get them off. Awesome system we have.
Legalise drugs….take this money and power away from these fools once and for all!!
Excellent work by the police
Usually it is only those cases that are heard in Magistrates Court that fail to secure convictions, or end with conditional discharges and/or other NON sentences allowing the suspects to walk free.
The majority of cases heard in Supreme Court in front of a Bermudian Jury secure lengthy convictions. That is why almost all suspects opt to have their trial in the lower courts whenever they have that choice.
The Supreme Court system works fine. It is our ancient laws and subsequent jail time attached to those ancient laws that need to be updated.
Additionally, the ‘types’ of crimes that must be heard in Supreme Court need to be updated.
The only offences that should be heard in Magistrates Court are traffic (speeding in particular) offences since the Magistrates very rarely convict anyone for anything other than a traffic offence.
Just my opinion.
Wonder how fast they will be replaced on the streets. Probably next week. Well done BPS executing a search warrant safely and conducting your jobs professionally. I just fear all this money and resources spent combatting drug crime is all for naught.
This is the way To do it . I am so glad